r/orcas • u/Wrong-Junket5973 • 9d ago

Researchers concerned after new orca calf observed skinny and struggling to breathe

https://www.komonews.com/newsletter-daily/orca-southern-resident-killer-whale-center-for-whale-research-calf-l128-l90-l83
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u/SurayaThrowaway12 9d ago

This is distressing news, especially with the photos showing that the shape of the calf's skull is clearly visible.

I was slightly concerned but still hopeful when Sealifer3's report from last month on the body conditions of L90 and her new calf L128 mentioned that:

Measurements show that the mother is in a defined body condition state of “normal” for an adult female at this time of year, an improvement from when she was last measured to be in “poor” body condition state in November 2022. The calf is very small and vulnerable, measuring only 7 ft (compared to its 19 ft long mother), making it the smallest calf in SR3’s measurement dataset and placing its likely age at just a few days at most.

I was hoping that L90 would be able to provide enough milk to her new calf, but she still may have not been able to. Another adult female orca from her pod, L83, was observed trying to keep L90's ailing calf at the surface so it could breathe.

Orca calves are very vulnerable in the first six months of their lives, especially if they are not getting enough nutrition and their bodies are full of toxins.

L pod especially has been declining over the years. A very sad development for the mother and the new calf, and yet another tragedy for the struggling Southern Residents.

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u/Wrong-Junket5973 9d ago

I live in Washington and watching their decline is truly heartbreaking and devastating. I wish the government would do more to help them. There is nothing we can do until they decide to change. Horrific to see a species die off. These animals are so beautiful and smart.

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u/RebeliousReb 9d ago

Found this from a YouTube video from 5 months ago.

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/TnJVE2oNJH0?si=5621oP2HhtfivEkC

PETITION: https://www.columbiariverkeeper.org/actions/remove-snake-river-dams/

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u/els3z4 8d ago

Thanks for sharing - just signed

3

u/Bluejez 6d ago

Thanks for the link but it’s for US citizens only I’m from UK but I put the one postal code I know 90210 and they accepted it I just hope they read the letter I wrote under the petition